Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Moscow, ID: $28,228 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,228 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.35% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,620 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,375) within a few years of clinical practice.

$28,228
Starting Salary
$13.57/hr
Starting Hourly
$28,228
Entry Level
$39,375
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Coder Entry Level Salary in Moscow, ID — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Moscow, ID medical coder entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, new graduates entering the medical coding field in Moscow, Idaho, can expect an entry-level medical coder salary starting around $28,228, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $39,375. This salary reflects the starting pay for those beginning their careers, with potential growth opportunities available as they gain experience and further their qualifications. Over the first few years, entry-level coders may anticipate moving up to the 25th percentile salary of $32,857, and eventually reach the median range as they complete training and gain proficiency in their roles. For new medical coders, Moscow is currently offering a viable market to build their careers, even though the initial pay may not quite align with the national average of $41,861.

About the Moscow Market

Salary estimated from Idaho average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$28,228/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$32,857/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$39,375/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$50,246/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moscow

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Moscow. The median salary is $39,375, compared to the national median of $41,861.$25.4K$35.1K$44.7K$54.4K$64.1K$28.2K10th Pctl$32.9K25th Pctl$39.4KMedian$50.2K75th Pctl$61.0K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Moscow, ID typically start between $28,228 and $32,857 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,803 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,3755.94% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Moscow metro area.

Return on Investment

$3,000
Avg ID Program Cost
$28,228
Starting Salary
10.63%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 10.63% of the starting medical coder pay ($28,228/year) in Moscow. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.

CPC, CCS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moscow

  • 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $28,228 to $32,857, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical coding field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moscow, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Moscow's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Medical Coder Compensation Range

The medical coder wage spread in Moscow is $32,803 ( 116.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,228, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,031.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$21,944

2025 BLS Actual

$27,588

2026 Current Est.

$28,228

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Moscow (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Moscow. Baseline $21,944 in 2025, projected to $28,883 by 2027.$20.3K$23.2K$26.0K$28.9K$31.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.9K$23.6K$26.2K$30.1K$27.6K$28.2K$28.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$21,944Actual
2022$23,644Actual
2023$26,156Actual
2024$30,137Actual
2025$27,588Actual
2026(current)$28,228Estimated
2027$28,883Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,944 in 2021 to $27,588 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,883. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your medical coding Career in Moscow

Several healthcare employers in Moscow, including larger hospital systems and established corporate group practices, actively seek to hire new graduates for their medical coding positions. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs designed to facilitate the transition for entry-level coders, equipping them with necessary skills and insights into the industry. For those looking to enhance their starting medical coder salary in Moscow, obtaining relevant credentials through state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can be beneficial. In the early years of their careers, new coders can expect gradual salary increases, with opportunities for raises contingent upon employer type, geographic market conditions, and the variety of credentials held. Building a strong foundation in this profession often sets the stage for salary growth, which is typically in line with the broader 2.32% annual increase forecasted for the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Moscow in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Moscow start at approximately $28,228/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $13.57/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Moscow?

Most medical coders in Moscow progress from the entry-level salary of $28,228 to the area median of $39,375 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $61,031 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical coding school worth it in Moscow?

With a starting salary of $28,228/year in Moscow and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical coders recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical coders make right out of school in Moscow?

New medical coding graduates in Moscow typically start near the 10th percentile at $28,228/year, or approximately $13.57/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical coder in Idaho?

To become a licensed medical coder in Idaho, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Idaho, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical coders pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Idaho

AP

Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC

Career Analyst

Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Moscow is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical coders (SOC 29-2072).

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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